Will my breasts drop and become more rounded at the bottom? 3 weeks post op, 480cc HP saline over muscle (Photo)

Question

before surgery- 38B with slightly constricted breasts(see pics) when nipples were hard they looked more rounded at the bottom. 3 weeks post op - have 365CC saline filled to 380CC, 68HP style, over muscle via TUBA. Bra during the day (no underwire)sports bra at night with band. Massage 2x a day, moving both fists from bottom of breast towards collarbone slowly and firmly, 5 reps each side. Will my breasts fill out lower pole? Do i have double bubble? Does this look normal so far? Please help

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Unfortunately, almost every choice you've made was a poor one.  Your preoperative breast anatomy placed strict limitations on implant size. Although I didn't have the benefit of examining you, based on these photos it is clear your inframammary tissue was very tight an inelastic. What you needed was an experienced surgeon to place appropriately sized implants into meticulously created subpectoral pockets, preferably through an inframammary incision using silicone gel implants.  Your current issues are many, with the most pressing one being double bubble. Almost two decades of experience as a revision breast specialist gives me the confidence to tell you that yours won't 'get better' as you heal.  Your implants are a full inch below your old inframammary fold now, which will not magically disappear with time or implant massage (something that is totally unnecessary in any breast implant surgery, so you may stop massaging immediately).  Your anatomy just doesn't have capacity for a nearly 400 cc implant, and something roughly half the size may be all you can handle. You'll need a revision surgery once you heal. Best of luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, advice, predictions, and/or meaningful reassurance.
Generally speaking, breast implants will "drop" into the pocket that was created during surgery and massaging the implants downward may assist in the dropping of the implants after surgery (for those patients who want to help with the settling of the implants).  The rate of breast implant "settling" may depend on factors such as size of breast implant pocket dissected, tightness of the overlying skin/muscle layers, size of breast implant utilized, and concerns such as pre-existing breast asymmetry.Normally, it takes about 3-6 months (for some patients longer) to see the final result. It is very common for one side to settle faster than the other.For patients considering corrective surgery for tuberous/constricted breasts in the future: Because the breast implants take time to "settle" into the relatively tight tissues of the lower breast poles, it may take several months (six months or even longer) before the final outcome of the procedure is achieved. In other words, patients undergoing this type of surgery should be aware of the need for patience and time before the the  lower breast poles "round out".
Sometimes, one or both breasts implants do not settle as planned and revisionary breast surgery becomes necessary to improve the outcome. On other occasions, if the long-term breast asymmetry is mild ( understanding that absolute symmetry is very rarely achieved), patients will need to decide whether proceeding with revisionary breast surgery is worth the potential downsides associated with additional surgery.
Again, best to follow your plastic surgeon for more specifics. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dropping of implants is part of the healing process and this occurs after the tissues surrounding the implants slowly relax, allowing the implants to settle into their final position. It can take about four to six months for the implant to drop down to their final position.I understand that you are worried about your implants are not dropping as expected. However, you are still in the early phase of the recovery period. Please do allow some time for the healing process to occur. If after six months, you are not satisfied with the appearance of your breast, you can visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and yes you do have a double bubble as anyone in your situation picking generous implants would also experience.  But give it time as the lower pole stretches out and the bubble can smooth out to where it no longer is an issue.  Your surgeon should share your desires to have the best outcome possible so trust your surgeon whom you chose over everyone else and hope for the best.  Not sure why your surgeon chose the TUBA method as the fold is presumably hard to address via that approach but always know revisions can improve outcomes if goals are not reached.

William H. Gorman, MD (retired) · Answer

Your implants are very high and you have a double- bubble  problem that was not addressed with your surgery. The pockets may be too small for the size of your implants. Time and massage may help, and you should continue the efforts you are making for at least 3 months. I hope you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and if not, please consult with one as soon as you can. I suspect that you will require revisional surgery to correct this problem; and this should be performed by an experienced and well trained surgeon.

Will my breasts drop and become more rounded at the bottom? 3 weeks post op, 480cc HP saline over muscle (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Your implants will settle

Answer: Your implants will settle

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Will my breasts drop and become more rounded at the bottom? 3 weeks post op, 480cc HP saline over muscle (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Your implants will settle

Answer: Your implants will settle

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.